Written By Olena Riznyk
LUCAN BIDDULPH – During the October 15th council meeting, council received a report from Darcey Cook, Director of Community Services & Facilities, recommending the submission of an application for funding through the Community Sport and Recreation Infrastructure Fund (CSRIF). This initiative is aimed at securing financial support for the renovation of the home side dressing rooms and Junior Irish team locker rooms at the local arena.
The report highlights the purpose of the funding application, which is to improve the dressing rooms used by the Junior Irish hockey team and other minor hockey users. By seeking financial assistance from CSRIF’s Stream 1, which is dedicated to the repair or upgrade of existing sport and recreation facilities.
The proposed renovation project comes with an estimated budget of $1,000,000. If the CSRIF application is successful, the grant would cover 50% of the total costs. The remaining half would need to be allocated from the municipality’s budget, a decision that will be addressed in the upcoming budget planning process.
Deputy Mayor Manders expressed his thoughts regarding the grant, questioning whether the funding would cover the entire budget if the project costs exceed initial estimates.
In response, Cook clarified that the budget figure is based on current assessments of the existing facility. Nonetheless, precise costs can’t be determined until formal tender documents are prepared and contractors are approached. There is also ongoing dialogue with the Junior Irish team, which has shown interest in contributing funds for their share of the renovations, further reducing the financial burden on the municipality.
The upgrades are expected to extend the lifespan of the existing dressing rooms while providing a more accessible and functional space for all users. By modernizing these facilities, the municipality aims to promote an inclusive environment that encourages participation in sports, ultimately fostering a sense of community pride.
